birthday's fast approaching...

I have not been here for a while since this board is so dead. I wanted to have all of us remembered during this time. Whether you are pre op or post op PLEASE list your name below and a breif synopsis of how your journey has been for you...ie weight loss, weight gain, reconstructive surgery, etc. Cogratulations to all of us in advance. Missy~ I will be 2 years out on 12/29 and have lost 220 lbs with a weight gain of 3-5 lbs...I have had a panniculectomy on 09/13 and this is where I had the weight gain...Arrrrg! I am fighting everyday to eat healthy and stay away from my carbs. I am a Pacific Bariatric Support Group Facilitator in Corona, Ca. This really helps me stay motivated and keeps me accountable. I have just started back on my exercise regemin since my TT...due to a severe infection after the removal of one of my tubes. I have just been turned dow by kaiser for my breast lift...I was devestated and depressed at the same time. Life will go on...I did not have this weight loss surgery only to regain my weight back ...but to continue on the path of a new way of lifestyle changes. I realize it is so easy for our old eating habbits to come back and haunt us...I know we will slip up once in a while...but getting right back on track will make up all the difference and also seeking the extra help to battle any past emotional behavoral problems that may have existed or still do. Good luck to everyone and I pray that we all continue to succeed in our weightloss journies. Missy~~~

Hi Missy, I'm not going to bore everyone with ALL my problems but I have had my share of them but I'm doing good right now, smile. I went from 154lbs up to 160/166lbs but am back down to 154/155lbs, smile. I had a problems with purging and that's all behind me now *BIG SMILE, PROUD OF MYSELF* I still have eating issues as far as not getting enough food in me and I think that's all a *HEAD ISSUE* with me as I'm scared of getting fat again. Other wise I'm happy right now with my weight but not my vitamins as they are low, working on that issue right now. We sometimes must stop and look at yourselfers in the mirror REALLY hard and come to the realization that we are doing harm to our bodies. We have WLS to better our health but we can also harm it along the way if we don't take care of ones self. It's one hell of a journey but we learn as we go along, smile. Without all you out here on the December 2004 board I would be lost. Thanks everyone for being here Donna

Hi Donna I can certainly sympathize with your situation. I've been job hunting for a couple months now. I had two interviews this afternoon. My employer is allowing me to have until March 2007 to find something else. Originally the termination date was set for November 30th, but they found that they have some more work for me, so after 21 + years with the same employer... I am now scrambling to find another job. To top it all off, I am having relationship issues and my son is having another child, which will be grandchild number 4. Life is tough on all sides. Trying to help out my son's family, sort out my work stress and maintain my relationship with my boyfriend are really taking its toll on me. Can you say "stressed to the max" ... yup, that's me. Still, I'm not giving up on my routines. Sometimes its hard and I do think about all the times that I would have run to a bucket of ice cream when I was down and out. Now, I run to the elliptical machine and my favourite cheat food is a sugar-free Latte. LOL Take care, Karen G

HI DECEMBER LOOSERS!!! YAY!! Isn't it great being a looser? Anyway, I am Kathy.. started my journey at 287 pounds.. had RNY on December 16th, 2004 and am now 125 pounds. I fluctuate about 5 pounds up and down. lol Have not had any plastic surgery.. but would LOVE to have a boob job (I went from a 44DD to a size 34 ALMOST A -- no hanging skin on the boobs though.. there just isn't anything there) Would also love to get a tummy tuck, but that isn't looking good either. There isn't enough extra skin for insurance to cover it! grrrrr Guess that is good, but I want that perfect flat little tummy! The doctors tell me that it isnt' to bad and looks like most people that have had four children. WHAT THE POOP??? GRRRRR But over all doing well... have gone from a size 24/26 to a size 4/6 and feel great! What else could I really ask for? I am very thankful for this surgery and my new life! Kathy RYN 12/16/04 Starting weight 287 Current weight 125

Hello December 04 crew. I am Monica Bond. I started my journey at 330lbs with many health problems. I now weigh 165lbs, just 5 pounds from my own goal. I have had a wonderful journey....few food and pouch problems. My diabetes is controlled, my lipids are fine, my arthritic knees so much better, I can wipe my ass without contorting myself, tie my shoes, make love with abandon, play with my Gkids, flyfish again, I can breath better, off asthma meds, live in my RV and travel around the country, climb stairs, buy clothes at Walmart or Target and not pay a fortune for them like before. My pouch is well and I treat it well. I had a breast reduction, lift, ventral hernia repair, and panni removal on 9/25. The PS removed 12 lbs of skin. I am doing fabulously and I am thrilled with my new streamlined body. The pain caused by my ample boobs and huge hanging panni is going, going, gone. I can now wear a medium top and size 14 jeans. Not since early high school have I been this size and weight. I feel new and improved. I have taken back my life and I am living it fully. I would take this journey again in an instant. I am healthier, happier, sexier, and so thankful each day. Monica

Hi Monica ! Great to see you update. I was really enjoying your updates from the "road". I guess you are healing well and enjoying your travels. Do you visit family for the holiday season? Thanksgiving and Christmas? I hope you'll keep posting your travel updates, as I find them really enjoyable. I am living vicariously through your eyes. LOL Keep on RV'ing !!! Karen G

WOW. It's great to see this post. The December board has been awfully quiet of late. You have done fantastic with your weight loss. I am still struggling to reach my goal weight and although I want to have plastics, I won't entertain that thought until I reach my goal. I had surgery 12/15/04 and I have lost 120 pounds. I am currently at 174 pounds, but I want to get down to 150 pounds. These last few pounds are a huge struggle. My eating is really quite normal. I have to be careful of my portion control, as I feel that I can eat more than I really should. I have never had any complications from the surgery. I eat on a strict routine and exercise regularly. I hope to be at goal in 2007. Thanks for the update. Congrats on your wonderful success. Karen G

Hi Everyone Well I am still doing well pretty much... I've experienced some weight gain since early May and am up 22 lbs. from my lowest weight... I am not happy about that obviously but I will be the first to admit that I managed to gain it on my own and have no one else to blame... I made some bad choices and started snacking again which we all know is a no-no But on that note, I guess its time to look at the positives here... I've went from wearing a size 5-6XL stretch pants to a 22 jeans... My shirts are generally an XL or 18/20 and before I was in a 4XL or larger... I've went from a high of 423 lbs to a low of 248 lbs (now at 270lbs.)... I've obviously still got a long way to go compared to most of you here but I'm not giving up... So that is a total of 155 lbs as I sit today but was 175 lbs in May... I'm working on going back down but with holidays fast approaching it will be more difficult for me... Healthwise, I am doing so much better... No more pre-diabetic symptoms (in fact I now have probs with low bloodsugar on occasion so I have to make sure I eat)... My high blood pressure is GONE! Cholesterol is awesome now even though it was once pushing the 200 range... My back issues are much better and the arthritic body pain is well under control... So I am very pleased with all of those things... I am so glad to see some activity on the boards here.... It was getting sort of quiet for sure... I do check in a few times a week just to see what's new... Congrats to all of you for your terrific successes thus far and for those still yet to come.... I truly care about you all and I do hope we will continue to post on occasion and keep the December 2004 board alive... I cannot believe it's almost been 2 years gals... Everyone take care and have a very happy and safe holiday season... Love ya!!!!! Chelle